The Henley


César award in 2003


Review


In an 'idyllic spot' on a cliff above the tidal Avon estuary, this small, unpretentious Edwardian villa has many fans. Its owners, Martyn Scarterfield and his wife, Petra Lampe, are 'energetic, conscientious hosts'. 'It is an enjoyable place for quiet, wonderful food, marvellous views,' says a visitor in 2009 who had been unwell and was told to 'come down for breakfast when you like'. The public rooms have dark red walls, well-polished old furniture, Lloyd Loom chairs, books and magazines; binoculars are provided for enjoyment of the 'magnificent' views. The bedrooms have been upgraded (two smaller rooms were amalgamated). They are relatively simple, 'always clean'. 'Our room, the largest, was as warm and friendly as the owners; a beautiful bunch of flowers on the table.' Guests gather in the lounge at 7 pm for drinks before dinner: 'Petra recites the short menu with a twinkle in her eye; Martyn's cooking is very good.' 'Unusual and delicious' dishes might include cream of parsnip, apple and potato soup; Gruyère-glazed fillet beef, Provençal sauce. Breakfast is 'tasty, unhurried'. The garden, 'spectacularly precipitous', has 'many sheltered nooks with seating'. 'The entrance hall has a wooden sign: "We welcome dogs" - and they do.' The 'lovely' resident Labrador, Kasper, has been joined by a new member of the family, the couple's baby daughter, Marika. (AE Silver, Jennifer and Colin Beales, Simon Rodway, Christine Moore)




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Contact Details

The Henley

Folly Hill
BIGBURY-ON-SEA
Devon
TQ7 4AR
England

Telephone
01548 810240

Website
www.thehenleyhotel.co.uk

Further information


Bedrooms: 5.
Open: Mar-Oct.
Facilities: 2 lounges, bar, conservatory dining room, small garden (steps to beach, golf, sailing, fishing), Coast Path nearby, unsuitable for disabled.
Background music: jazz, classical in the evenings in lounge, dining room.
Smoking: not allowed.
Children: not under 12.
Dogs: not allowed in public rooms.
Credit Cards: Amex, MasterCard, Visa.
Prices: [2009] B&B £55-£71 per person, D,B&B (3 nights min.) £77-£92, set dinner £33, 1-night bookings sometimes refused weekends.



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